The Fight for Euphoria

It is only human nature to seek pleasure; however, when humans do find pleasure, there is always an enemy to discourage it whether it is sex, alcohol, and in this case drugs. Prohibitions have always been the popular method of rebelling this quest for pleasure. But, are drugs really as terrible as those opposed make it out to be? From balancedpolitics.org, I found the perfect resource to observe both sides of the issue.

To begin, let's browse the arguments for the legalization of marijuana. They [some] list as: marijuana is not any more [if even less] harmful than tobacco or alcohol, it could be taxed as additional income for the heavily in-debt government, the FDA could regulate the safety and control of drugs, and law enforcement could focus on more offensive crimes. When reviewing the arguments against the legalization of marijuana, the most important list as: marijuana is a "stepping-stone" drug that leads to more harmful drugs, some consider the act to be morally wrong, "stoned" driving risks would increase, and physical damage would be done to the abusers

Because I support the legalization of marijuana, I will address the arguments made by those who oppose legalization. To call marijuana a stepping-stone is nothing short of calling anything entertaining or pleasing a stepping-stone. In this mind-set, television and music becomes a stepping-stone of promiscuous sexual activity. If a parent is that worried about her child using harder drugs than marijuana, he or she may simply control this as some parents do not let their children watch television [a legal aspect of society]. Also, why are violent video games such as Grand Theft Auto and Gears of War not made illegal as they could clearly be "stepping stones" to actual violence. There are those who consider marijuana morally incorrect. This argument clearly holds no strength because of the separation of church and state. Jurisdiction in faith differs from jurisdiction of a country. If marijuana is legalized, people suspect stoned driving will increase and become a risk. Many accidents and deaths are results of drunk driving, however alcohol is not an illegal substance. Also, more accidents have been caused by cellphone use while driving; however, the use of cellphones does not infringe on law. Possible danger does not call for criminalization. As far as physical damage to abusers, according to DAWN (Drug Abuse Warning Network), use of marijuana does not result in death. However, the annual death rate of alcohol (excluding accidents and homicides) is over 35,000 people a year and tobacco annually claims 4 million lives worldwide.

For a substance which causes no harm to others and actually proves to help cancer patients medicinally, it's strange to think America feels safer with their children able to obtain something like guns rather than marijuana.